Mining engineering technologists work in hard and soft rock mining operations here in Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world. It’s a well-paying career that can involve surveying, ventilation, ground control, mine planning or supervision. You need to be a team player, good at problem solving, comfortable working with new technology and committed to workplace safety.
Start date
AugustLength
70 weeks
Locations(s)
SaskatoonLength and location notes
There are two four-month mandatory paid Co-operative Education work terms. Semesters and co-op work term time patterns are listed in Courses below.
Mining is one of the fastest growing sectors in Saskatchewan. In the next 10 years, estimates predict over 15,000 new workers will be needed in the industry—including mining engineering technologists.
Mining Engineering Technology is a two-year diploma program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus. In the classroom and in the lab, you’ll learn to apply scientific principles to basic mining engineering situations.
You’ll develop knowledge and skills in:
- basic geology, geophysics, electricity and instrumentation
- computer applications in mining
- fluid mechanics
- ground control
- mine hydrology and environmental concerns
- mine ventilation
- ore processing and transportation
- project management
- safety
- soil, concrete and shotcrete testing
- surveying and drafting
Hands-on learning involves everything from computer simulations, to geology and surveying labs, to mechanical and materials testing labs. Second year projects will help you build skills in mine design, blasting and ventilation. You’ll also carry out an applied research project. This emphasis on learning by doing ensures you’re ready to work from day one after graduation.
The co-op work term advantage
Many of our co-op employers require both a valid Saskatchewan Driver's License and a clean Driver's Abstract. For international students, it can take up to 12 months to obtain a Driver's license; therefore, it is to your advantage to come with a Driver's License from your home country if possible.
Some co-op work placements require a Criminal Record Check and/or drug and alcohol testing.
Diploma to degree
Ladder your diploma into the Bachelor of Applied Management degree at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.
Career and salary information
Your career
Mining engineering technologists are prepared to work in both surface and underground mining operations. Saskatchewan mining companies are eager to recruit graduates. You could also work for a testing lab, an engineering consulting firm or a mine equipment company. As you build experience, you could advance into design work, supervision and project management.
Do you need help deciding if these careers could be a good fit for you? Contact Career Counselling Services.
Do you already know this is the program you want to take but need more detailed information or help applying?Connect with a recruitment advisor.
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Mining engineering technologist | Geological & mineral technologists & technicians (22101) |
| Mining survey technologist | Geological & mineral technologists & technicians (22101) |
| Mining technologist | Geological & mineral technologists & technicians (22101) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30*
- English Language Requirement
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
- Minimum combined average of 60% in Math A30, B30 and C30
Notes:
- Physics 30 is recommended but not required
Effective August 2025
International applicants: A co-op work permit is required.
Domestic and international applicants: A valid Saskatchewan driver's license will need to be obtained prior to the first co-op work term.
Alternative admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
ACCUPLACER©
Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.
- 250 Arithmetic
- 240 Advanced Algebra and Functions
- 256 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
- 250 Reading
- 245 Writing
Post-secondary
Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.
If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.
Admission method
First Qualified/First AdmittedThe First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
Tuition and fees
Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.
2024-25 academic year
Year 1 - $8,280
Year 2 - $7,350
Courses
The program follows this academic and co-operative education schedule. Courses are outlined below by semester.| Sept - Dec | Jan - Apr | May - Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer break |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Work term 1 |
| Year 3 | Work term 2 | Semester 5 |
Get credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Transfer credit
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
| Institution | Details |
|---|---|
| Cape Breton University | Graduates of this program may be eligible for 36 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Environmental Studies or Petroleum degree programs. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology | Graduates of this program may be eligible for direct admission into the two-year Bachelor of Technology program at NAIT. |
|
Memorial University |
Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer into Bachelor of Technology Degree with 39 credit hours (13 courses) to be completed, including a technical project and report. |
|
University of Saskatchewan |
Graduates of this program may receive up to 57 credit hours toward the Geological Engineering major in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program at the University of Saskatchewan. |
Student awards
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.
Accreditation
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC)
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at thet technologist level.
TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services
for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.
Professional registration
Technology Professionals Saskatchewan
Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is the provincial regulatory body for graduates
of this Saskatchewan Polytechnic program. As a graduate of an accredited program recognized
by Technology Professionals Saskatchewan, your academic training places you on an
expedited path towards obtaining professional registration as a professional technologist
(P.Tech.) or certified technician (C.Tech.). For more information, visit tpsk.ca.
Additional information